Pro 10:19 | NET2full | STEP | When words abound , transgression is inevitable , but the one who restrains his words is wise .

‏ Proverbs 10:19

19 When words abound, transgression is inevitable, ^{▼▼tn Heb “does not cease.” It is impossible to avoid sinning in an abundance of words—sooner or later one is bound to say something wrong.}
but the one who restrains ^{▼▼tn Or “holds his lips under control.” The verb חָשַׂךְ (khasakh) means “to withhold; to restrain; to hold in check” (BDB 362 s.v.). The related Arabic term is used in reference to placing a piece of wood in the mouth of a goat to prevent it from sucking (HALOT 359 s.v. חשׂךְ).} his words ^{▼▼tn Heb “his lips” (so KJV, NAB, NASB); NIV11 “their tongues.” The term “lips” is a metonymy of cause for speech.} is wise.